KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM)– Voters in Kalamazoo will decide next May whether they are willing to pay for the latest attempt to consolidate the five 9-1-1 dispatch centers in the community.
Last night the County Board approved asking voters to increase the surcharge on phone lines from the current 42-cents to $2.30. The vote was 8 to 3.
Supporters say consolidated 9-1-1 would bring faster and better service and upgrades that would allow contact by social media.
Commissioner Scott McGraw called it the largest tax hike in recent county history and proposed a tax cut to offset the hike in the surcharge.
The amendment failed but may be reconsidered by the County and taken up by the cities and Kalamazoo Township before the vote.
